Places To See & Things to Do
Set in peaceful, undulating countryside, famous for its 130+ vineyards, this area is also known for its medieval 'bastide' villages and spectacular views. There are many beautiful and historic villages and towns within easy reach. Four of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' are within a 30 minute drive: Puycelsi, Castelnau de Montmiral, Bruniquel and Cordes sur Ciel, also voted Favourite French Village 2014.
The historic towns of Albi (30 mins), with its magnificent Cathedral and Toulouse Lautrec Museum, and Castres (60 mins) are well worth a visit, as is the truly spectacular Carcassonne (100 mins). Toulouse, France's 4th largest city is one hour's drive, and the Gite is also only a couple of hours drive to both the Mediterranean Coast and the Pyrenees. Remarkably, this beautiful part of France still remains relatively undiscovered.

Up to 25 Minutes driving time

  • Castelnau de Montmiral
    Only 10 mins drive from the gite. Bastide Town, Church, Tuesday morning market. Free leaflet with an historical tour of the town available from the Tourist Office.
  • Cordes sur Ciel
    Only a 20 minute drive, this medieval Bastide Town was voted Favourite French village in 2014 and is an absolute 'must-see'. Church, Museums, Art Galleries, spectacular views, some pleasant shops and some great restaurants.
  • Penne
    is worth the 25 minute drive. Stroll up the narrow streets to reach the remains of an imposing medieval fortress, which stands on a rocky outcrop. From here you will look towards the Gresigne forest and down on the river Aveyron.
  • Puycelsi
    Bastide Town, Church
  • Château de Mauriac
    at Senouillac. The 13th century Château was created by Guiraudus de Mauriaco, a Templar, and has been renovated by the painter Bistes and his family.
  • Gaillac
    is the nearest large town. Visit its monuments (such as St Michel Abbey, St Pierre Church, Griffoul Square, the Townshouses, the Beaux-Arts de Foucard castle / museum), its Friday morning market and a wide selection of restaurants. The Maison des Vins (Wine House) is located inside Saint Michel Abbey where it is possible to taste a selection of Gaillac wines.

25 to 40 Minutes driving time

  • St. Antonin
    Major Market, Medieval Houses, Museum
  • Albi
    is the 'prefecture' of the Tarn department. It is centred around two large medieval buildings: the Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, the largest brick build cathedral in the world, and the Berbie Palace, the former fortified residence of the Albi bishops, and now home to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum with the largest public collection of the artist's work. The covered market hall, completed in 1905, functions as Albi's largest market - a lively place to purchase vegetables, cheese, meat & fish. There are plenty of shops in Albi and many lovely restaurants. Albi also has two nationally classified gardens "jardins remarquables".

    Albi Tourist Office
  • Laguepie
    15th C Château, Chestnut Festival
  • L’Isle sur Tarn
    Chocolate Museum, Arcaded Square
  • Monesties
    Beaux Village, Church, Museum
  • Ambialet
    11th C Buildings, Ruined Castle, Exhibitions
  • Bruniquel
    Bastide Town, Restoration work, Museum, Art etc.
  • St. Sulpice
    Church, Museum
  • Giroussens
    Visit the wonderful 'Jardins des Martels'. 35 mins. Combine with arriving by train on the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Tarn from the little station at St Lieux Les Lavaur.

    Jardin des Martels
  • St Lieux Les Lavaur
    Steam Train - Chemin de Fer Touristique du Tarn. Combine with a visit to the Jardins des Martels.

    Train Info

Over 40 Minutes driving time

  • Burlats
    Convenient to Sidobre, glacial rock formations
  • Najac
    Castle, Museum, Art Galleries
  • Lautrec
    Garlic capitol of France
  • Lavour
    Former Cathar Stronghold, Alain Cathedral
  • Caylus
    Medieval village, Eco Museum, Potters Market
  • Toulouse
    Paris of the SW, varied architecture, Museums
  • Castres
    Goya Museum, Botanical Gardens
  • Carcassonne
    Carcassonne (1hr 45mins) is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cité, with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. Château Comtal, a 12th-century castle within the Cité, offers archaeological exhibits and a tour of the inner ramparts.
  • Narbonne
    Famous for its lovely beach. Approx 2 hrs 15mins.
  • Pyrenees National Park
    Approx 2hrs 30 mins - The best way to start exploring the Pyrenees National Park is to head for one of the Maison du Parc visitor centres in Saint-Lary, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Arrens-Marsous in the département of Hautes Pyrénées.